GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – It was a scary first half for the Golden Eagles, as they found themselves losing at halftime, but a strong second half saw them down Grace Christian 98-86. The Golden Eagles outscored the Tigers 60-44 in the second half shooting 50% from the field behind Cory Ainsworth's 21 points. Jack Joldersma recorded his first double-double of the season in the win that saw Cornerstone move back to .500 at 6-6. Men's Basketball returns to conference play as they travel to Cleary on Wednesday, January 3 for a 7:30 PM tipoff.
 
Game Highlights – Cornerstone – 98 Grace Christian - 86
 

• First Half
  • It was a back and forth start for both the Golden Eagles and the Tigers as Grace Christian leads 7-6 after the first three minutes.
  • Grace Christian used a 5-0 run to extend their lead 12-6 after easy baskets around the rim for the Tigers.
  • It has continued to be all Grace Christian to start the game as they find themselves leading 17-8.
  • Cornerstone has found some momentum thanks to a layup from Luke Vanderwerff and a Jack Joldersma three to give the Golden Eagles a 5-0 run, yet still trailing 17-13.
  • The Golden Eagles used an 8-0 run to take a 21-20 lead over the Tigers thanks to a Kayden Bird three as Eli Steffen got the run started completing the three-point play.
  • Grace Christian responded with an 11-2 run to retake the lead 31-23 with eight minutes remaining.
  • A Blake Stewart layup and a Kayden Bird three cut into the Tiger lead 35-33 with 3:25 to go in the first half.
  • Grace Christian beats the buzzer with a basket around the rim to head into halftime with the lead 42-38.

 

• Second Half
  • The Golden Eagles opened the half on a 7-4 run thanks to fast break layup from Jack Joldersma and a three from Luke Rowlinson to make it a 46-45 Tiger lead.
  • Luke Rowlinson drills another three to give Cornerstone the 53-52 lead with 15:43 to go in the second half.
  • The Golden Eagles used a nice 7-0 run to extend their lead 62-53 thanks to multiple scores from Eli Steffen.
  • Luke Rowlinson drills his third three of the half to give Cornerstone a 10 point, 69-59 lead as Cory Ainsworth heads to line looking to make a pair of free throws.
  • Cornerstone and Grace Christian continue to trade baskets and free throws as the Golden Eagles continue to lead 83-75 with 4:49 remaining.
  • Cory Ainsworth finds the cutting Jack Joldersma as the Golden Eagles are two-minutes away from a victory.
  • Cory Ainsworth ices the game with a dunk to give Cornerstone the 98-86 victory over Grace Christian.

 
By the Numbers
21/7 – Cory Ainsworth led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds
15/12 – Jack Joldersma recorded his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds
20 – Cornerstone recorded 20 offensive rebounds in the victory
 
What's Next?
The Golden Eagles start back up conference play as they travel to Cleary on Wednesday, January 3.
 
Men's Basketball Contact: Jonny Strube
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